All New 2026 Nissan Leaf is Improved in Every Way
About this episode
The 2026 Nissan Leaf marks a significant evolution in the brand's electric vehicle lineup, boasting up to 303 miles of range, faster charging, and a more appealing design. Key features include a liquid-cooled 75-kWh battery, improved driving dynamics, and a spacious, comfortable interior. The episode highlights a press event in San Diego, where hosts Tom and Cole discuss the Leaf's competitive pricing, advanced tech like plug-and-charge capabilities, and the absence of all-wheel drive. Overall, the new Leaf aims to attract mainstream buyers with its blend of affordability and modern features.
The Nissan Leaf was an EV pioneer but it's been long in the tooth for years. The all-new third generation is improved in every way with up to 303 miles of range, faster charging speed and a liquid cooled battery pack. Plus NACS! It's affordable, starting at under $30,000. Tom Voelk and Autoblog's Cole Attisha check out a loaded Platinum + trim with features found only on premium vehicles just a few years ago. It's not overly fast, but it is a quiet comfortable cruiser with new found style.
electric vehicle (EV)
"The company that began the affordable EV revolution in 2010, not Tesla, it was Nissan with the Leaf."
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Hyundai Kona
"... and less competitive against Chevy Bolt, Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV. The all-new 2026 leaf gets up..."
Kia Niro
"...itive against Chevy Bolt, Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV. The all-new 2026 leaf gets up to 303 miles of..."
The Kia Niro is a small SUV that can run on electricity, gas, or both, depending on the version you choose. It's a good option for people who want a car that is friendly to the environment and still has enough space for everyday use.
The Kia Niro is a versatile compact crossover that offers hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers. Its efficient design and practicality make it competitive against other electric vehicles like the Chevy Bolt and Hyundai Kona EV.
range
"The all-new 2026 Leaf gets up to 303 miles of range..."
Range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again. It's important because it tells you how much you can drive without stopping to recharge.
In the context of electric vehicles, 'range' refers to the maximum distance an EV can travel on a single charge. The range is a crucial factor for potential buyers as it affects the vehicle's usability.
liquid-cooled
"...the 75-kilowatt-hour battery that's standard on all but the base leaf is liquid-cooled now."
Liquid-cooled means that a liquid is used to keep things cool, like the batteries in electric cars. This helps them work better and last longer.
Liquid-cooled refers to a cooling system that uses liquid to dissipate heat from components, such as batteries in electric vehicles. This method is effective in maintaining optimal temperatures for performance and longevity.
75-kilowatt-hour battery
"And the 75-kilowatt-hour battery that's standard on all but the base leaf is liquid-cooled now."
A 75-kilowatt-hour battery is a large battery that stores energy for electric cars. It helps the car run and is cooled with liquid to keep it from getting too hot.
The 75-kilowatt-hour battery is a type of battery used in electric vehicles, providing energy to power the vehicle. It's liquid-cooled, which helps maintain optimal operating temperatures and efficiency.
Nissan Ariya
"...Like the first Leaf, Gen 3 remains front drive, go with Ariya for all-wheel drive. The two are based on the same platform."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan. It's larger than the Leaf and offers more space and features for families or those needing extra room.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover SUV that offers a more spacious and versatile alternative to the Leaf. It features advanced technology, all-wheel drive options, and a modern design.
Tata Motors Aria
"...he first leaf, Gen 3 remains front drive, go with Aria for all-wheel drive. The two are based on the sam..."
The Tata Motors Aria is a larger vehicle that can handle tough roads and weather better than regular cars. It's designed for families or people who need more room and want to drive comfortably in different conditions.
The Tata Motors Aria is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that offers all-wheel drive capabilities, making it suitable for various driving conditions. It shares its platform with the Nissan Leaf, but is designed for those who need more space and versatility in their vehicle.
horsepower
"...There's 214 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Platinum weighs nearly 4,400 pounds with a rated range of 259 miles."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
pound-feet of torque
"...There's 214 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Platinum weighs nearly 4,400 pounds with a rated range of 259 miles."
Pound-feet of torque measures how much twisting force an engine can produce. More torque means better acceleration and the ability to pull heavier loads.
Pound-feet of torque is a unit of measurement for rotational force in engines. It indicates the engine's ability to do work, particularly in terms of acceleration and towing capacity.
Frunk
"No Frunk. Nissan puts all of the components in the nose."
A frunk is a trunk located at the front of a car, which is possible in electric vehicles since they don't have engines in that space. It provides extra storage for things like bags.
A 'frunk' is a front trunk, commonly found in electric vehicles where the absence of an internal combustion engine allows for additional storage space in the front of the car.
single-speed transmission
"The transmission gets a new selector with plain buttons, it remains single-speed. Regen can be adjusted in four steps, plus there's Nissan's E-Step that adds one more level."
A single-speed transmission means the car only has one gear, which makes driving simpler because it doesn't need to change gears like traditional cars do. It's often used in electric cars.
A single-speed transmission is a type of transmission that has only one gear ratio, commonly used in electric vehicles to simplify the drivetrain and provide smooth acceleration without shifting.
regenerative braking (Regen)
"Regen can be adjusted in four steps, plus there's Nissan's E-Step that adds one more level. Four drive modes change up the driving dynamic a good amount."
Regenerative braking is a system that helps recharge the car's battery when you brake. Instead of wasting energy, it captures some of it to use later, making the car more efficient.
Regenerative braking, often referred to as 'Regen', is a technology in electric and hybrid vehicles that captures energy normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery, improving efficiency.
drive modes
"Four drive modes change up the driving dynamic a good amount. This is our first vehicle that we're launching with the native Naxport."
Drive modes are settings in a car that change how it drives. They can make the car feel sportier or more comfortable, depending on what you choose.
Drive modes are different settings in a vehicle that adjust the performance characteristics, such as throttle response, steering feel, and suspension settings, to suit various driving conditions or preferences.
J1772
"For the passenger side we stuck with J1772, we know this is for AC only and home charging."
J1772 is a type of plug used for charging electric cars in North America. It helps different electric cars connect to charging stations easily.
J1772 is a standard for electric vehicle charging connectors in North America, primarily used for Level 2 AC charging. It allows for compatibility between various electric vehicles and charging stations.
DC fast charging
"The old LEAF was limited to 50 kilowatt DC fast charging, now it's 150."
DC fast charging is a way to charge electric cars quickly. It sends power directly to the car's battery, allowing it to charge much faster than regular charging methods.
DC fast charging refers to a method of charging electric vehicles that allows for much quicker charging times compared to standard AC charging. It delivers direct current to the vehicle's battery, enabling faster replenishment of energy.
HVAC system
"For $4,200 over S+, the HVAC system becomes a more efficient heat pump, anemic force speaker audio gets replaced with a tolerable six..."
The HVAC system in a car controls the heating and cooling inside the vehicle. A more efficient system helps keep the car comfortable without using too much energy.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. In vehicles, a more efficient HVAC system can improve comfort and energy efficiency, especially in electric cars where battery usage is critical.
Google built-in connected services
"...the touch screen engages grow by two inches to 14.3 inches, plus there's Google built-in connected services."
This means the car can use Google services like maps and music directly on its screen. It makes it easier to find directions or listen to your favorite songs while driving.
Google built-in connected services refer to the integration of Google services into the vehicle's infotainment system, allowing for features like navigation, voice commands, and app access directly through the car's interface.
surround view camera system
"A surround view camera system is standard across the board. In order to get the $300 battery heater, talking to you Minnesotans, the SV plus and Platinum plus trims are required."
A surround view camera system uses cameras placed around the car to show a complete view of what's around it. This makes it easier to park and avoid obstacles.
A surround view camera system provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle using multiple cameras. This technology helps drivers navigate tight spaces and enhances safety by eliminating blind spots.
zero to 60
"Let's do zero to 60, kind of by the seat of our pants. And I would say about eight seconds. Sounds about right."
Zero to 60 time tells you how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to compare how quick different cars are.
Zero to 60 time measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a car's acceleration capabilities.
steering feedback
"It doesn't come to the cost of steering feedback though, which I've noticed, which is nice. So you still get, you feel what's going on underneath you on the road, but it's"
Steering feedback is how much you can feel what's happening with the car through the steering wheel. It helps you understand how the car is handling on the road.
Steering feedback refers to the amount of information a driver receives through the steering wheel about the road surface and the car's handling. Good steering feedback helps drivers feel more connected to the vehicle's dynamics, enhancing control and confidence while driving.
understeer
"...when you really push this into a corner, there's definitely understeer. Yes."
Understeer happens when the front of the car doesn't turn as much as you want it to. It can make the car feel like it's sliding straight instead of going around a corner.
Understeer is a handling characteristic where the front wheels lose grip before the rear wheels, causing the car to turn less sharply than intended. This often results in the car continuing straight instead of following the intended path through a corner.
destination charge
"I'm kind of surprised this is coming in with destination around 31.5 and as tested about 41 grand with a lot of luxury touches."
Destination charge is the cost to deliver a car from the factory to the dealership. It's usually added to the car's price when you buy it.
Destination charge refers to the fee added to the price of a vehicle to cover the cost of transporting it from the manufacturer to the dealership. This fee is typically included in the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price).
MSRP
"I'm kind of surprised this is coming in with destination around 31.5 and as tested about 41 grand with a lot of luxury touches."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests the dealer should sell the car for. It's a starting point for negotiations but can change based on various factors.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends the dealer sell the vehicle for. It serves as a guideline for pricing but can vary based on dealer markups or discounts.
Nissan Leaf
"The cabin design turns over a new leaf. The company that began the affordable EV revolut..."
The Nissan Leaf is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, which means it doesn't produce exhaust fumes. It's important because it helps reduce pollution and is usually cheaper to run than traditional cars.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that has played a significant role in making electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to the general public. Launched in 2010, it was one of the first mass-produced electric cars, helping to pave the way for the EV revolution with its affordable price and practical range.
Nissan's zero gravity chairs
"Fortunately, the haptic surfaces work pretty darn well. Nissan's zero gravity chairs are heated and quite comfortable, supportive bolsters hugged gently."
Zero gravity chairs are special seats that help you feel more comfortable by spreading your weight evenly. They make long car rides less tiring.
Nissan's zero gravity chairs are designed to reduce fatigue and provide better support by distributing body weight evenly. This design mimics a neutral posture, which can enhance comfort during long drives.
Bose
"Both Cole and I agree, the Bose system has rich punchy sound, worth upgrading to Platinum."
Bose is a brand that makes really good sound systems. Many cars use Bose speakers to make music sound better and clearer.
Bose is a well-known audio company that specializes in high-quality sound systems. Their systems are often used in vehicles to provide an enhanced audio experience, making music sound richer and more immersive.
coefficient of drag
"...the coefficient of drag drops from .29 to .26. The design is a huge improvement."
The coefficient of drag tells us how easily a car can move through the air. A smaller number means the car cuts through the air better, which is good for speed and fuel economy.
The coefficient of drag is a measure of how aerodynamic a vehicle is. A lower coefficient indicates less air resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency and performance.
power outlet
"...Nice that there's a power outlet here, but kind of surprised there aren't any bag..."
A power outlet is like a plug in your house, but it's in your car. You can use it to charge your phone or other devices while driving.
A power outlet in a car allows you to plug in electronic devices, such as smartphones or laptops, to charge them while on the go. It's a convenient feature for modern vehicles.
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